Weight (g)

If there are differences in weight (due to multiple size or optional accessories) we note those here.

231 g

S/M: 231 g / 8.1 oz
M/L: 240 g / 8.5 oz

Gender

Gender

This is the gender as stated by the manufacturer/brand.

We use the term "Men" and "Unisex" interchangeably, as there is no difference between these types of helmets.

Unisex

Size Range

Size Range

The sizing options of the helmet according to the manufacturer.

21.00 in - 25.00 in

S/M: 53-59 cm / 21-23 in
M/L: 58-63 cm / 23-25 in

Quick Adjust

Quick Adjust

Quick Adjust refers to the straps of the helmet. Do you want the ability to ability to "quickly" adjust the fit. This could be a dial, or other plastic pieces.

Really, most climbers don't need to change the fit of the helmet often, unless you're climbing with and without hats, or you have big hair that flattens and then requires tightening after climbing for awhile.

Yes

Vents

Yes

Headlamp Compatable

Yes

Face Shield Compatable

No

Certification

Certifications

The main climbing gear certifications are CE and UIAA--and normally the UIAA creates the rules that the CE body also supports. When possible, we try to list all the certifications the product carries.

To sell a climbing product in Europe, the device must be CE certified. There are no official requirements to sell climbing gear in the US. The UIAA certification is a voluntary process.

The Black Diamond Vector is a very good, lightweight helmet that offers increased protection compared to some other lightweight EPS helmets like the Black Diamond Vapor and Mammut Rock Rider while still coming in significantly lighter than more traditional plastic options like the Half Dome and El Cap. This puts the Vector in a nice middle ground, and makes it a great choice for people who want a lightweight helmet but don’t want to skimp on coverage.

On paper the Vector is not a stand-out helmet; it’s not the lightest, it’s not the cheapest, and it’s not the most durable. Despite not being remarkable in any single area, the combination of a nice, storable harness system, relatively light weight, and high comfort make the Vector an impressive option. I’ve been extremely happy wearing it at the crags and in the alpine as we climbed our way across North America from Leavenworth, WA to the White Mountains of NH, to El Potrero Chico, MX. Bottom line, if you wish you could get the BD Vapor helmet but can’t justify the fairly crazy $140 price, the Vector is an excellent option in my opinion.

I’ve had the Vector for a few months now and this post seems to be getting a bit of traffic from people looking for a review. Since the original post was made, I’ve now had the opportunity to take the Vector outside for a bit of sport climbing. I’m happy with it. No complaints. It’s very light and comfortable (as far as helmets go – don’t really seem to notice it) and fits my head well. I chose the Vector over the Vapor (which has more venting than the Vector) so I could also use the helmet for some planned alpine climbing trips to New Zealand. Despite having less venting than the Vapor I haven’t found getting too hot to be an issue when sport climbing in the Vector even in the hot and humid Hong Kong summer so that has worked out well (I’ve been doing single pitch sport climbs so admittedly don’t have to wear the helmet for all that long).

To conclude this review about Black Diamond Vector climbing helmet, regarding its performance, it is very similar to Petzl Meteor. So if you are in situation to choose, this all will come just to the personal preference and the price difference. Regarding the price, Vector is definitely behind Meteor.

Ventilation is excellent, and the holes are well placed so you don’t get rubble and stoor in them. Like any polycarbonate shell, it’s unlikely to take the hits repeatedly so if you want a beast for fending off the artillery on the Eigerwand, this probably isn’t it. If you want a lightweight helmet for long mountain days then this will do just fine.

The Vector is one of the most protective foam helmets around. The helmet sits very low on your head so it doesn’t only protects the top of your head like most helmets, but it also covers the forehead, the back of the head and the sides. Thereby it also protects you well when you hit the rock face during a fall. The helmet also has a protective advantage above some hybrid helmets (foam inside, hard outer layer) those helmets are heavier and some tend to shift backwards when you look up, leaving your forehead exposed to impacts. On the vector, this problem is solved by its lightness and the stable suspension.

The Vector is a solid, light foam climbing helmet that has all of the necessary features. This helmet would be great for any climbing application from big walling to cragging. The Vector scored just behind our Editors' Choice, the Petzl Meteor in every test. While the Meteor has some subtle qualities that we think make it slightly superior, the Vector may be more visually appealing to you. We think either helmet will get the job done.

There are lots of technical components to the Vector: in-mold headlamp clips, ratcheting helmet adjustment, tuck away suspension (for packing), lots of ventilation, and cold-molded EPS foam with polycarbonate shell. On top of all these technical points, the Vector passes the all-day comfort test with ease.

Nice added touches to the Vector helmet are integrated headlamp clips and a number of different color combinations. We tested the Blizzard colorway (White shell/lime green straps and accents), but the Vector is also available in three other color combinations. The ratchet adjuster and straps push up out of the way into the helmet making it easier to stuff in a pack. The Vector comes in two sizes and weighs in at 8.1 oz (S/M) and 8.5 oz (M/L).
All in all the Black Diamond Vector is a great helmet; comfortable, cool and cool to look at. Now there is no reason to not wear a helmet. So you can keep yourself safe and keep climbing.

The Vector helmet is a very light, supremely comfortable, climbing helmet. Fit is excellent as are head coverage and ventilation. On the down side I’m not so keen on the black colour-way for practical reasons and at £70, it’s not cheap. A great package from Black Diamond though and definitely a big improvement on the Tracer.

The UIAA equipment standard provides a baseline for equipment performance in a test lab under controlled conditions on new equipment. Although these test conditions are relevant to the conditions encountered climbing, conditions encountered at the crags and the condition of the equipment are equally important. This recommendation from the UIAA member federation The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) provides vital equipment information that is NOT explicitly addressed in the standard, particularly failure modes of the equipment and recommendations for the use, inspection, maintenance, and retirement of equipment.